# Development of a genetic and molecular prediction model for cisplatin and radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

> **NIH NIH K23** · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2020 · $172,260

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The proposed research and career development plan have been designed to complete Dr. Ow’s path toward
independence as a surgeon-scientist in translational head and neck cancer research. Dr. Ow has devoted his
early research career to the study of factors associated with locoregional treatment failure in head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This research addresses a major unmet need for the current diagnosis
and management of patients with HNSCC. The research builds on Dr. Ow’s previous work, and proposes to
use both clinical and laboratory research to examine the relationship between key genetic and molecular
characteristics (TP53 mutation, p16INK4A/p14ARF expression, and BCL-family pro-survival molecule
expression) of HNSCC and tumor cell resistance to cisplatin and radiation. The career development plan,
through mentorship and formal training activities, builds on Dr. Ow’s previous training in laboratory methods,
biostatistics, bioinformatics, and translational research methods. Upon completion of the K23 funding period, it
is anticipated that Dr. Ow will be well-positioned to submit a Research Project Grant (RO1).
 Dr. Ow’s mentorship and advisory teams are composed of individuals who have had great success in
all aspects of translational research, and will help Dr. Ow develop core skills necessary to carry out
independent T1 translational research. Dr. Chandan Guha, MBBS, PhD, a radiation oncologist and
translational scientist, will serve as primary mentor, while Mimi Kim, ScD (Biostatistics), Evripidis Gavathiotis,
PhD (Biochemistry), and Nicolas Schlecht (Epidemiology) form a strong mentorship committee, each providing
expertise in disciplines that are fundamental to the proposed research plan and translational science. Dr. Ow
receives protected time, laboratory space, salary for a full-time research technician, supplies, and
administrative support from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Primary
Appointment) and from the Department of Pathology (Secondary Appointment). Albert Einstein College of
Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center (MMC) have demonstrated a commitment to Dr. Ow’s career as a
surgeon scientist, evidenced by his support and education as a Paul Calabresi (K12) Scholar and a trainee in
the Clinical Research Training Program administered by the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.
 The current project proposes to develop a prediction model for locoregional treatment failure in HNSCC
using a nested-case control study in a retrospective cohort of patients treated at MMC (Specific Aim#1). The
association of the biomarkers in the prediction model with cisplatin and radiation response will also be
evaluated in an innovative primary cell culture model (Specific Aim#2). The goals of these studies are to
improve the ability to identify patients with HNSCC at high risk of treatment failure, and to develop methods to
better understand the mechanisms of treatment ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9849133
- **Project number:** 5K23DE027425-04
- **Recipient organization:** ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas Julian Ow
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $172,260
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-01-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9849133

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9849133, Development of a genetic and molecular prediction model for cisplatin and radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (5K23DE027425-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9849133. Licensed CC0.

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